Factors Affecting the Velocity and Direction of Wind| Class 11

There are so many Factors Affecting the Velocity and Direction of Wind. The wind is an air motion of the Earth. The direction and velocity of the wind can be defined as where they come from and where they are moving. The global coordinate system majorly and actively contributes to this process. Generally, the wind blows from the high-pressure area to the low-pressure area in a clockwise direction and vice-versa.

In this article, we are going to discuss the Factors Affecting the Velocity and Direction of Wind in detail.

Direction Of The Wind

The direction of the Wind can be referred to as the direction in which way the wind is blowing. The Coriolis effect is much more important and responsible if there is any change in the direction of the wind. Based on the latitudes the magnitude of the deflection varies. The direction of the wind changes from high to low pressure. At the surface of the earth, the wind faces the friction force and it can be affected by the rotation of the earth.

Velocity Of The Wind

The wind velocity or the wind speed is a fundamental atmospheric component. Due to so many factors like differences in pressure and temperature, the wind moves from the low-pressure zone to the high-pressure zone. The velocity of the wind is proportional to the pressure gradient. It means, when the pressure increases the velocity of the wind also increase.

Factors Affecting the Velocity and Direction of Wind

There are three major forces including The Pressure Gradient Force, The Frictional Force, The Coriolis Force affect the direction and velocity of wind. Let us discuss in detail.

Pressure Gradient Force

It is a force that is particularly generated from the air pressure. The pressure gradient changes as per the distance. It is a rate that changes the air pressure. The pressure gradient rate is mild between the isobars.

The Frictional Force

The Frictional Force is an effect which happens due to the wind speed. This type of friction is really higher at the surface level of the earth. The force is lower in the sea surface.

The Coriolis Force

The Coriolis Force or the Deflection Force happens due to the earth’s rotation around the axis. It particularly influences the direction of the wind. When the Coriolis Force is high, the wind speed will be high as the deflection is greater at that stage. This force is maximum at the poles and it is absent at the equator.

Significance Of Velocity and Direction of Wind

There are so many significance of the Velocity and Direction of Wind as mentioned below.

• Velocity and Direction of Wind are responsible for transporting the moisture and temperature from one location to another.
• The wind has a major role in determining the weather and climate of a certain location.
• Velocity and Direction of Wind can be used in the production of wind energy which is a cost-effective option.
• Velocity and Direction of Wind are an important factor for the aircraft.

FAQs – Class 11 Factors Affecting the Velocity and Direction of Wind

What are the factors of wind speed and direction?

The two main factors affecting wind patterns are the heat distribution between the earth’s equator and poles, and the constant rotation of the planet. The sun is Earth’s primary energy source. However, energy from sunlight is not evenly distributed over the earth’s surface.

What are the factors which control the direction and speed of wind?

Wind is nothing more than the movement of air molecules from one place to the next. The direction and speed of the wind represents the balance between three basic forces acting on it: the pressure gradient, the Coriolis force, and surface friction.

What is wind direction and velocity?

Wind direction is always given as a radial measure in degrees stating the direction from which the wind is blowing. Wind speed may be given in either knots (nautical miles per hour) or metres per second depending upon the procedures of the State concerned.

How does the Coriolis effect affect the direction of wind?

The Earth rotates on its axis, circulating air is deflected toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere and toward the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is called the Coriolis effect.

What is wind direction called?

Wind direction is usually reported in cardinal (or compass) direction, or in degrees. Consequently, a wind blowing from the north has a wind direction referred to as 0° (360°); a wind blowing from the east has a wind direction referred to as 90°, etc. This wind vane indicates an east wind.

What is the importance of wind velocity?

Wind speed affects weather forecasting, aviation and maritime operations, construction projects, growth and metabolism rate of many plant species, and has countless other implications.